Mouth-watering cuisine anticipated with 30 new culinary artists

THE CULINARY EXPERTISE OF 30 YOUNG LADIES was recognised at a recent virtual
graduation ceremony following a tantalising two-week training exercise executed by the Health
and Family Life Education (HFLE) Unit in collaboration with the Carnegie School of Home
Economics both agents of the Education Ministry.
The delectable programme in Barima/Waini (Region One) was conceived to counter the fallout
and hardships created by the global 2019 global COVID pandemic which has so far killed more
than 4 million around the world and over 480 in Guyana.
Education authorities perceived the suffering especially among the young in the country’s
sprawling interior communities will face, and rushed to provide entrepreneurial skills that will
help give them economic viability for greater independence.
In his tasty graduation address, Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, noted after the
pandemic forced the closure of schools nationwide, officials recognised some learners as a result,
“would be lost educationally.”
Dr Hutson said as a consequence, Education Minister, Ms Priya Manickchand advised that an
appetising programme be implemented as a buffer for the most vulnerable students. Hence the
scrumptious programme offered through the Ministry’s Re-integration of Adolescent Mothers
into the Education System initiative.
The two-week programme commenced June 22, and concluded July 2.
According to Hutson, the re-integrating adolescent mothers into the education system was
important since it offers participants some degree of social mobility.
Region One Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley, applauded the gustatory programme, noting that it
aligns with the vision of the Government of Guyana to provide opportunities to all Guyanese,
especially its youth sector.

“You are given this opportunity of a second chance to better equip yourself, not only for
motherhood, but to be an instrumental and vital player in the country’s development,” Ashely
counselled.
Meanwhile, Principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), Ms. Sharmaine
Marshall lauded the initiative between her institution and central ministry and is eagerly
anticipating future joint ventures to impact young lives.
Three of the graduates, Shivonne Nunes, Suda Thomas and Bibi Khan reflecting on their
culinary training admitted a sharpening of their food-preparation and social skills.
Each of the 30 graduates received a ‘start-up’ kit complete with items enabling them to begin a
career in cooking. They also received care packages.
Assistant Chief Education Officer (HFLE), Ms. Carol Benn; National HFLE Coordinator, Ms.
Colleen King-Cameron; Chief Schools’ Welfare Officer, Ms. Gillian Vyphius; Carnegie School
of Home Economics officials, Principal, Ms. Sharmaine Marshall, and Ms. Penelope Harris and
team contributed to the success of the initiative.
Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region One, Teka Bissessar also attended the
flavoursome graduation ceremony.